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QUENTIN DURWARD 



A DRAMATIC ADAPTATION OF 
SIR WALTER SCOTT'S NOVEL 

IN THREE ACTS AND 
THREE SCENES 



BY 

CHARLES ANDREW MERZ 

AND 

FRANK WRIGHT TUTTLE 



NEW HAVEN 

YALE UNIVERSITY DRAMATIC ASSOCIATION 

MDCCCCXIV 



•5'*! a,* 



■^v% 



<N 



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Copyright, 1914 

BY 

Charles Andrew Merz 

AND 

Frank Wright Tuttle 



Printed for the 

Yale University Dramatic Association 

under the direction 

OF THE 

Yale University Press 



Printed from type. 750 copies. June, 1914 



Dramatic and all other rights reserved 



Produced June 13, 1914, by the 

Yale University Dramatic Association 

ON the Yale Campus 



Printed in the United States 

.IIJN-5I3I4 

©CI.D 3 7516 



THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY 
DEDICATED TO 

JACK RANDALL CRAWFORD 

WITHOUT WHOSE AID AND ENCOURAGEMENT THE 
PLAY WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN WRITTEN 



FOREWORD 

Quentin Durivard is not intended to be a strict 
dramatization of Sir Walter Scott's novel, but 
rather a play based on the dramatic situations in his 
story. New incidents and characters have been 
introduced and some of the old ones omitted, with 
the intention of producing a unified and dramatic 
whole. The play was written for the Campus 
Performance of the Yale Dramatic Association, 
which necessitated a return to the direct methods 
of the Greek drama. 

C. A. M. 

F. W. T. 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



OUENTIN DURWARD 

Act 1. The gardens of the castle of Plessis-les- 
Tours. 

Act II. An inn on the road to Liege. A week later. 

Act III. The courtyard of the Castle of the Duke 
of Burgundy, at Peronne. Several days 
later. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Louis XI, King of France. 

The Duke of Burgtuidy, known as Charles the Bold. 
Williatn de la March, the Wild Boar of Ardennes. 
The Count of Crevecceur, Burgundy's ambassador. 
Lord Crawford, Captain of the King's Scottish 

guard. 
Dunois, a French nobleman. 
Olivier, the King's barber. 

Tristran I'Hermite, Provost-Marshal of the King. 
Ludovic Lesly, nicknamed Le Balafre, an archer of 

the King's Scottish guard. 

Quentin Durward, his nephew. 

Trois-Eschelles { . ,^. , , 

the Kmg s hangmen. 



Petit- Andre 

A Fool. 

An Innkeeper. 

A Monk. 

A Man-at-arms. 

Zaniet Maugrabin, a spy. 

The Countess Isabelle of Croye, ward of the Duke 
of Burgundy, 

The Lady Hameline, her aunt. 

The Innkeeper's Wife. 

French and Burgundian knights, soldiers of De la 
Marck, noblemen, attendants, and ladies-in- 
waiting. 



QUENTIN DURWARD 
ACT ONE 

Scene. The gardens of the castle of Plessis-les- 
Tours. A crowd of French nobles in hunting 
costume comes inj singing. They are followed by 
attendants, leading the hounds. King Louis XI, 
clad in an old blue hunting dress, with a rosary 
of ebony around his neck, and a hat bordered with 
little figures of the saints, is in their midst. At 
the King's side is Crawford, dressed in the rich 
habit of his office. 

King Louis 

Ah, m}^ Lord Crawford, St. Hubert has blessed our 
hunt to-day. Never has our chase been attended 
by better fortune. 

Crawford 

Sire, it was not good fortune, but your majesty's 
cunning with the spear that brought down the 
boar. 

King Louis 
[Pleased.] 
So? You think your King is still fitted to lead the 
hunt? 

[7] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



\^Re collecting himself.^ 
But methinks your speech smacks more of the 
courtier than of the Captain of my Scottish 
archers. 

Crawford 

Nay, sire, your majesty is as truly King of the hunt 
as he is King of France — and that no man dares 
dispute. 

King Louis 

Ha! Perhaps our cousin, Charles of Burgundy, 
might disagree with you. 

Crawford 

Even Charles the Bold would not be so presumptu- 
ous. Nay, rumor has it that he has sent an envoy 
to Plessis-les-Tours to assure your majesty of 
his friendship. 

King Louis 

We have heard of this envoy, but mayhap his mis- 
sion is unfriendly. 

Crawford 

What, sire! I pray you pardon me, but has Bur- 
gundy a new grievance against France? That 
hot-headed nobleman is never so content as when 
he is quarreling with your majesty. 

[8] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



King Louis 

Peace, Crawford. Remember he is our cousin and 
we must love him. We do not await the coming 
of this envoy with pleasure, since, in this quarrel, 
our dear Charles thinks that justice is on his side. 
But we may find a means to pacify him. 
[Olivier comes in, escorting the Lady Isabelle of 
Croye and her aunt, the Lady Hameline.] 

Ha! it seems our barber has turned gallant. Since 
when have you become a courter of fair damsels, 
Olivier? 

Olivier 
[Bowinff.] 
So please you, my liege, there was no other to escort 
these ladies on their morning walk, since your 
majesty had gone on the hunt. 

King Louis 

But, methinks you have chosen an ill-advised hour 
and place to lead them. Have you forgotten our 
wishes, Olivier? 

Isabelle 

We came here, sire, because we will no longer 

endure being hidden away in secret. 

[To Lady Hameline.] 
Nay, aunt, do not pluck my sleeve ! Since we came 

here, we have been used little better than mere 

prisoners. 

[9] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



[The King starts to protest.^ 
After a thousand invitations to throw ourselves 
under your protection, you have given us but a 
corner of this dingy palace, out of which we are 
permitted to creep only at night. 

King Louis 

This would not be necessary were France and Bur- 
gundy on friendly terms. Your aunt, I trust, has 
less cause to misjudge us. 

Lady Hameline 

Your majesty has been most gracious. I sought but 
safety and I have found solitude and secrecy 
besides. 

Isabelle 

Peace, aunt, and let me speak the truth. I looked 
for a splendid reception, tournaments, pageants, 
and festivals. Instead, all has been seclusion and 
obscurity. Our sole companions have been a 
gypsy vagabond, by whose agency we corre- 
sponded with our friends in Flanders — a gypsy, 
and a barber! The Duke of Burgundy did not 
treat me thus. He offered me a husband, albeit 
a bad one. 

King Louis 

You prefer, then, an evil husband to the seclusion 
we offer ? 

[10] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Lady Hameline 
One would, at least, wish to have the choice, sire. 
It is, Heaven knows, on account of my niece that 
I speak. For myself, I was quite content at the 
court of your cousin, Charles of Burgundy. 

King Louis 
My dear lady, reasons of state forbid us from 
allowing you the freedom you desire. I pray that 
you will consider this. 
IT here is shouting, off stage] 
But hold ! What means this interruption ? 

\_Tristran, Trois-Eschelles and Petit-Andre come 

in, bringing with them Quentin and Zamet, 

bound. They are followed by members of the 

Provost-Marshal's guard. ^, 

So, our lusty Provost-Marshal has come to court 

and, by Saint Hubert, he has brought us guests. 

Tristran 
May it please your majesty, this infidel dog is 
Zamet Maugrabin, the gypsy who betrayed the 
presence of these ladies to the Duke of Burgundy. 

King Louis 
Ha! And why have you not hanged him as we 
ordered ? 

Tristran 
We had him strung up, sire. Did we not, my brave 
lads? 

[11] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Petit-Andre 

Aye, the dance was about to commence. The musi- 
cians were all in tune. 

Trois-Eschelles 

{^Shaking his head sadly.] 
Beati qui in domino moriuntur. 

King Louis 
Well, and why did you not finish the task? 

Tristran 

This meddling stripling sprang up from nowhere 
and cut him down. 

King Louis 

What mattered that to you? Shall this youth defy 
the King's justice? Why did you not hang them 
on the same branch and let them dance together? 

Tristran 

May it please your majesty, I thought hanging too 
good for them. Methinks they are more deserv- 
ing of the rack and chains. 

King Louis 

Well bethought! But who is this young meddler? 
Was he with the vagabonds? 
[12] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Petit-Andre 

Aye, sire, that he was, and may it please your 
majesty, he was the one who cut down the rascal 
whom your majesty's justice most deservedly 
hung up. 

Trois-Eschelles 

I will swear by God and St. Martin to have seen 
him with their gang when they pillaged our town. 

Quentin 
The villain lies ! I never saw this fellow till to-day. 

Crawford 

Mayhap the youth speaks truly, sire, for yonder 
heathen is black, and this lad is fair. 

King Louis 

Aye, and perhaps you will say yonder one has a green 
coat and this one a gray jerkin. Bah ! These 
infidels can change their complexions as easily as 
their jerkins. Gypsy or no gypsy, he has cut 
down a traitor condemned by us to die. Bid our 
Executioner step forward. 

Tristran 
He is at hand, sire. 

[The Executioner, clad in a red robe and mask, 
steps forward, carrying branding irons and 
other instruments of torture.] 
[13] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



King Louis 
Hah, we shall have fine sport with this fellow! 

'Twill be a merry game! Come hither, Fool; 

here is work suited to j'our hand. 

[The Fool, a cripple, steps forward from the 
crowd, grinning horribly.^ 
What reward do you recommend for a meddling 

coxcomb who has interfered with the King's 

justice? 

Fool 
The man who likes not hanging should be taught 

its pleasures. Put him in one of your cages, sire, 

where one can neither sit upright nor lie at full 

length. He will soon learn that hanging is the 

more pleasant sport. 

King Louis 
Certes, he deserves no less a punishment, but we 
would enjoy our game here and now. Think on 
some other device. 

Fool 
What say you to the branding irons? 

[Pointing to Zamet.^ 
He is a traitor. Let us give him a Lily of France 

upon his chest, to remind him of his broken faith. 

[Pointing to Ouentin.] 
He has meddled with the execution of a spy — cut 

off his right hand and he will think twice before 

he uses the other so freely. 
[14] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



King Louis 

Well said, Fool. Our torture chambers have sharp- 
ened your wit. Your experience has made you an 
apt teacher. 
[To the Executioner.] 

Step forward and begin your work. 

[To Petit-Andre and Trois-Eschelles.] 

The youth first. As a most Christian king, we must 
see him shrived of his sins first. 
[^Petit- Andre and Trois-Eschelles step forward 
dragging Quentin between them.] 

Quentin 
In God's name have mercy, sire! 

King Louis 

Hah ! The youth is not so ready as you. Fool, to 
make atonement for his sins. Speak, shall we let 
him go unpunished? 

Fool 

No, sire, no. It would not be just. Compassion 
must not hinder our duty to cleanse the youth of 
his sins. 

l^The Executioner brings forward a huge caldron 
of boiling hot water. He makes Quentin hold 
out his hand over it. Quentin averts his face 
in horror; the Executioner lifts his huge sword 
to strike.] 

[15] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Isabelle 

[^Stepping forward with a scream.^ 
Stop ! 

[Turfiing to the King.] 
You cannot intend to carry out so fiendish a scheme ! 

It is unjust. It is un-Christian, I will not permit 

it! 

King Louis 

Stand back. You need not watch this sport if you 
cannot stomach it. 

Isabelle 

Let him at least have a merciful death. 

[King Louis gives no sign that he hears her.] 

Should I publish abroad so horrible a crime, the 
report of it would bring Charles of Burgundy 
upon you ! There must be chivalrous knights 
here who will not brook this injustice. Will no 
one support my plea? 

[The knights stir uneasily, afraid to offend the 
King.] 

Olivier 

[Whispering to the King.] 
The maid speaks wisely, sire. You had best listen 
to her pleadings. There will be time later to 
attend to the youth. 

[16] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



King Louis 

l^After a moment's thought, and with a great shoiu 
of magnanimity.^ 
Your speech does more credit to your heart than 
to your head, my lady. I see you do not know our 
Fool and his pleasant humor. 

Isabelle 
What! You meant the youth no harm? 

King Louis 

We merely tested his valor. He shall suffer but a 
few days' confinement in our prisons. 
[To Crawford.^ 

Bring forward your Scottish guard, Lord Crawford. 

Crawford 

As your majesty commands. 
\^He bows and goes ow/.] 

Fool 

By our Lady, a goodly chance lost to improve upon 

the beauty of the youth. 

[Pointing to his oivn twisted limbs.] 
Your majesty was not always so merciful. 

Olivier 

Hush, Fool. The stripling will yet receive his 
reward. 

[17] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



[^Crawford comes in, leading a few members of 
the Scottish Guard, among whom is Ludovic 
Lesly, known as Le Balafre.^ 

Crawford 

Seize upon this youth and convey him to prison. 
[Balafre and another Scot step to Quentin's side; 
the Executioner, Petit-Andre and Trois- 
Eschelles fall back. The King confers with 
his nobles.^ 

Balafre 

Body o' me ! Young Durward, my nephew ! How 
come you here and in this plight? 

Quentin 

Ludovic Lesly! Good kinsman, stand by me, for 
the love of Scotland and St. Andrew! I am 
innocent. 

Balafre 
YTo Crawfo?-d.] 
What has this youth done that he should be im- 
prisoned? He is a Scot, — my own nephew. 

Crawford 

Silence, Balafre, it is by order of the King. Though 
he is a Scot, he has meddled with the King's 
justice. 

[The King now turns and notices Balafre talking 
to Quentin.^ 

[18] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



King Louis 
What means this delay! Did not my Lord Craw- 



ford hear our commands? 



Crawford 



It seems, my liege, this fellow is a countryman of 
ours — a nephew of your trusted Balafre. 

King Louis 

How now, Ludovic Lesly? How comes it that a 
kinsman of yours should prove a traitor to us? 

Balafre 

Surely there must be something amiss, for I can 
vouch for the youth's honesty with my life. 
[Turninff to Quentin.] 

What brought you to France, Quentin ? How came 
you to displease the King? Speak out, man. 

Quentin 

Is it so strange, sire, that a young Scotsman should 
seek his fortune in the service of Louis of France? 

King Louis 

Not strange, no. But methinks you have made a 
strange beginning. Is it your habit in Scotland 
to go about meddling in the affairs of your sover- 
eign? 

[19] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Quentin 

I saw a poor wretch kicking at the end of a rope, 
and I went to cut him down, out of sheer pity. I 
had no idea of offending the King's justice. For 
aught I knew, thieves might have hanged him 
for his purse. 

King Louis 

Ha! You will have enough to do in this country 
if you go a-gleaning after the hangman. How- 
ever, our good Balafre and this most gracious 
lady have plead your cause exceeding well. What 
say you to adventures more befitting your bold 
spirit? Our Scottish guard will give you an 
opportunity, or 

[Pointing to the Executioner.] 
there is still this adventure. 

Quentin 

So please you, sire, I came to Tours to serve your 
majesty. 

King Louis 

Release him. My Lord Crawford, I hold you 
responsible for his future conduct. 
[The guards step back.] 

Quentin 

[Starting to kneel.] 
I trust that my actions may prove my gratitude, sire. 
[20] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



King Louis 
Kneel not to me, young Scot. It is to yonder lady 
that you owe your freedom. 
l^Quentin goes to Isabelle and kneels.^ 

Quentin 
Gentle lady, it needed not a king's command to 
teach me the debt I owe you. What prompted 
a lady of your high state to intercede in my 
behalf I do not know, but I am none the less 
grateful. 

Isabelle 
Rise, sir Archer, your thanks far exceed my due. I 
would be loath to have my hound undergo such 
tortures. You may call it the sympathy of one 
fellow-prisoner for another, if you like. 
[^Isabelle gives the King a scornful glance and 
goes out, accompanied by the Lady Hameline.] 

King Louis 
Ha, Olivier. Methinks there was cold comfort for 
"Scotland" in what my lady said. 

Tristran 
{^Stepping forward with Zamet.] 
My liege, what shall now be done with this gypsy? 

King Louis 
We had forgotten him. Take him out and hang 
him on the nearest tree. And quickly, too, lest 
[21] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



some other meddling Scotchman should happen 

along, on his way to visit us. 

\^Exeunt Tristran and the other members of the 
Provost-Marshal's guard, including Petit- 
Andre, Trois-EschelleSj and the Executioner, 
taking Zamet ivith them.^ 
Hmn! So, my young Scot, Ludovic Lesly is j^our 

uncle? And have you his love for a long march 

and a hard fight? 

Quentin 
I have seen something of both in my country, sire. 
Scotland is torn with civil strife. There is not a 
burning hearth nor a standing stone in all Glen 
Artney. My enemies drove me to France. 

King Louis 
Since you sought adventure, why did you come to 
us, instead of to William de la Marck? 

Quentin 
What! Serve the Wild Boar of Ardennes? A 
pillager? A murderer? 

King Louis 
Harsh names to call one of my faithful vassals. He 
is an adventurer, like yourself. 
[Fanfare of trumpets, off stage; Dunois comes 
in.} 
Ah, my trusty Dunois, what means this blare of 
trumpets ? 

[22] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Dunois 

The Count of Crevecoeur, Burgundy's ambassador, 
has arrived, and demands immediate audience. 

King Louis 

Demands an audience, Dunois? Tell this Bur- 
gundian envoy we cannot see him to-day. 

Dunois 
To-morrow, sire? 

King Louis 

To-morrow is the festival of St. Martin. Please 

Heaven, the saints' day shall be disturbed by no 

earthly thoughts. 

{^Dunois starts to protest.^ 
Nay, Dunois, we shall grant him an audience, never 

fear. But it shall be at our pleasure. 

Dunois 
All this I said, but yet, sire, — 

King Louis 

Pasques-dieu, man, what is it that thus sticks in 
your throat? This Burgundian's terms must 
have been hard of digestion. 

Dunois 

Had not your Grace's commands, and his safe con- 
duct as envoy restrained me, he should have 
[23] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



digested them himself. By our Lady of Orleans, 
I had more mind to make him eat his words than 
to bring them to your majesty. 

King Louis 

Body o' me, Dunois. It is strange that j'our im- 
patience cannot brook the like spirit in Bur- 
gundy's envoy. We fear his blustering messages 
no more than the towers of this castle mind the 
whistling of the wind. 

Dunois 

Know then, sire, the Count of Crevecceur says that 
if you refuse him the audience which his master 
demands, he will remain outside the gates and 
accost your majesty at whatever hour you please 
to issue from your castle. 

King Louis 

He is a fool. Let him cool his hot head there 
awhile. These impatient coxcombs think that all 
men are miserable save when in saddle and stirrup. 

Dunois 

My liege, if you do not grant this audience, the 
envoy's instructions are to nail his gauntlet to 
your castle gate in token of his master's defiance. 
This, sire, means war with Burgundy ! 
[24] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



King Louis 

Aye, is it even so? Will our ancient vassal prove 
so masterful — our dear cousin treat us thus 
unkindly? Nay, then, Dunois, we must unfold 
the Or-iflamme and cry Dennis Montjoye! It 
shall be war, if he so wishes! 

Dunois 

Marry and amen, and in a most happy hour! 

\^The crowd, unable to resist the same impulse, 
shouts. The King looks proudly around.] 

King Louis 

Aye, you may well shout. Our cause is just, if 
Burgundy dares raise his hand against his King. 
[Another shout.] 
Still, we are loath to shed Christian blood. 

[He crosses himself devoutly. The crowd mutters 
discontentedly.] 
Admit the envoy of Burgundy. Let us hear what 
he has to say. 

[He motions to two men-at-arms who go out. 
The muttering of the crowd grows louder. The 
King seats himself in the rear of the stage, on a 
rustic bench. Dunois, Crawford and the rest 
of the crowd take up their stand on either side 
of him. Quentin is in the front row, near the 
King. ] 

[25] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



What say }^ou, Dunois? Shall we overlook the 
insolence of Burgundy for the sake of our king- 
dom's peace ? 

Dunois 

Affairs of state, sire, are beyond my sphere. I am a 
soldier and obey my King. 

PGng Louis 

Hmn ! A soldier ! 'Tis a better trade than mine. 
\^Another fanfare of trumpets, off stage. The 
Count of Crevecceur enters. He appears all 
armed, except his head, in a gorgeous suit of 
artnor, inlaid and embossed with gold. A page 
behind him bears his helmet. Toison d'Or, his 
herald, precedes him, bearing letters of credence 
which he offers, on his knee, to the King. The 
ambassador hi7nself pauses in the rniddle of the 
stage, as if to give all present time to admire his 
lofty look and undaunted composure.] 

King Louis 

[After a cursory glance at the letters.] 
Approach, seignor Count of Crevecceur. We need 
not our cousin's letters to introduce to us a 
warrior so well known. Still, I am loath to guess 
the reason for this show of armor. 

Fool 

Let me guess for thee, sire. 
[26] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



King Louis 
Peace, Fool! 

Crevecoeur 

Sire, the Count of Crevecoeur laments the misfortune 
that places him before you in so unfavorable a 
light, but he must do his duty to his master. 
Though it is only the voice of Philip, Count of 
Crevecoeur, that speaks, the v^^ords he utters are 
those of his most gracious lord and sovereign, 
the Duke of Burgundy. 

King Louis 

And what has Crevecoeur to say in the words of 
Burgundy ? 

Fool 

The boldest words of Charles the Bold 
His boldest envoy will unfold. 
Pray Heaven the words are bold, and not bald. 

Crevecoeur 

The Duke of Burgundy demands that the King of 
France send back to his dominions, without delay, 
Isabelle, Countess of Croye, and her aunt, the 
Lady Hameline. 

King Louis 
On what ground, may we ask? 
[27] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



CreveccEur 

On the ground that these vassals of the Duke of 
Burgundy are secretly detained here by the King 
of France. 

King Louis 

Can it be your purpose to hold us bound for the 
flight of every vassal whom your master's passion 
may have driven from his dominions? Does it 
follow that if these ladies are in France, their 
place of retirement is known to us? 

Crevecoeur 

Sire, I was provided with a witness, one who beheld 
with his own eyes these fugitive ladies in this very 
castle ! 

Fool 

Eyes that grow upon a tree, 
Can never tell what they did see. 
'Tis like the old parable of the mote and the beam. 

King Louis 
[To the Fool.] 
Silence ! 

[To Crevecceur.] 
Produce this witness! Place the man before my face 
who dares maintain these palpable falsehoods! 
[28] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



CreveccEur 

You speak in triumph, sire, for his long absence is 
proof enough that he has fallen into your hands. 
The dead cannot answer, my liege. 

Fool 

[Pointinff to Crevecceu/s armor.] 

All that glistens is not gold, 

A golden welcome soon grows cold. 

The fox and the stork once exchanged hospitalities, 
you know. 

King Louis 

Now, by our Lady, so false are these accusations that 
I laugh rather than am angry at them. Our 
provost guard daily hangs thieves and vagabonds. 
Tell our cousin if he loves such companions to 
keep them in his own domains. 

Crevecoeur 

My master needs no such subjects, sir King. The 
Duke of Burgundy does not inquire his fate of 
witches and wandering gypsies. 

King Louis 

Sir Count, since your purpose is but to insult us, we 
will ourselves treat with Burgundy, for certes 
you have exceeded jour commission. 
[29] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Crevecoeur 

On the contrary, I have not yet fulfilled it. 
Hearken, Louis of France, and you, Toison d'Or, 
make proclamation after me. I, Philip, Creve- 
coeur de Cordes, in the name of Charles, by the 
grace of God, Duke of Burgundy and Earl of 
Flanders, do hereby declare that since you have 
refused to remedy his grievances, he renounces all 
allegiance to your crown, and defies you as a 
prince and as a man ! There lies my gage ! 
[He throws his gauntlet to the floor and goes out. 
Toison d'Or bloivs his trumpet, and cries: 
"Long life to Burgundy and Duke Charles!" 
The page and Toison d'Or go out. Tumult. 
The crowd, angered and excited by Creve- 
coeur s audacity, starts to folloiu him. Quentin, 
Crawford and Dunois spring to lift the gage.] 



Crawford 



After him ! 



Strike him down ! 



D 



unois 



King Louis 

Silence ! Lay not a hand on the man — not a finger 
on the gage! 

[The three ?nen step back; the crowd stops its 
move?7ient. Silence follows.] 
[30] 



QUENTTN DURWARD 



I mean you, Dunois, and 3^ou, young Durward. 
You, my Lord Crawford, are too old for such 
conflicts. Olivier, our barber, shall lift the 
gauntlet ! 

Olivier 

I, sire? Surely the Count of Crevccceur will not 
deign to speak to so humble a messenger as 
Olivier. 

King Louis 

Mayhap our barber is afraid. 

Olivier 

Ah, sire, you wrong me. But the anger of Creve- 
coeur — 

King Louis 

Enough, sirrah ! No belted knight, but a man of 
peace, shall return the madman's gage. Olivier, 
we would have peace, but not at the price of 
honor. 

Olivier 
Sire. 

[Olivier picks the gauntlet up gingerly and slinks 
off after Crevecoeur. The crowd mutters dis- 
contentedly.^ 

King Louis 

How now, my masters, does the messenger we have 
chosen displease you? 

[31] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Dunois 

You do your French nobles injustice, sire. Every 
man of us would carry defiance to Burgundy on 
the point of his sword. 

Crawford 

And, sire, you wrong the Scottish gentlemen who 
serve j'ou. My own arm is yet strong enough, if 
I had your majesty's permission to use it. 

Quentin 

And I, too, sire, would serve you, else I were no 
true Scot. 

King Louis 

We doubt not your valor, but we fear your rashness. 
We must avail ourselves of every precious hour 
of peace. Fear not. We have learned how best 
to deal with these Burgundians. And now leave 
us. We would see Olivier alone. 
\^The crowd of nobles goes out, talking excitedly. 
The King beckons Quentin and Balafre as they 
pass.^ 

Balafre and young Durward, do you remain at hand, 
where I can summon you. 

Quentin and Balafre 
Aye, sire. 

[^They bow and go out.^ 
l^Olivier returns.] 

[32] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



King Louis 
How now, Olivier, have you tamed the spirit of 
Burgundy's envoy? 

Olivier 
Sire, my task has been difficult, but I have called yon 
proud Count to reckoning for his presumption 
toward your majesty. 

King Louis 
And how did seignor Count receive our barber's 
chastisement ? 

Olivier 
You mock me, sire. Crevecoeur had his foot in the 
stirrup, ready to return to his master, but I per- 
suaded him to delay his departure for twenty-four 
hours, and in the mean time to take back his gage. 

King Louis 
[Muttering.] 
Twenty-four hours. 'Tis of the shortest. 

Olivier 
There would be no need for such haste if your 
majesty had listened to my advice. 

King Louis 
Your advice, indeed. It was you who counselled us 
to protect the Lady Isabelle. I did not dream 
the price was war with Burgundy 
[33] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Olivier 
My liege, you know my reasons. The estate of the 
Countess of Croye lies on the frontier of Bur- 
gundy. If the Countess were wed to some one 
allied with your majesty, we could sorely chafe 
your rash cousin's temper. 

King Louis 
'Tis a tempting bait, and if we could have concealed 
her presence here we might have arranged a 
marriage for this rich heiress profitable to us. 

Olivier 

What if a marriage could be accomplished between 
Isabelle and young Adolphus, the Duke of 
Gueldres ? 

King Louis 

What! Sacrifice her, so lovely a creature, to that 
furious wretch? No, Olivier, no. That would 
be too unutterably cruel, even for you and me. 
Besides, he is too far distant to serve us. No, I 
will none of Adolphus. Think on some one else. 

Olivier 
I can think of no one who is a better enemy of 
Burgundy. 

King Louis 
But I should prefer a better friend of France. 

\^After a moment' s pause.] 
What say you to William de la Marck? 
[34] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Olivier 

DelaMarck? The Wild Boar of Ardennes ! That 
pillager, excommunicated by the Pope for a 
thousand crimes! 

King Louis 

We will have him released from the sentence, 

Olivier. 

[Crossinff himself.] 
The Holy Church is merciful. 

Olivier 

'Tis true that he is of noble birth, but he has the 
heart of a Flemish butcher. The Lady Isabella 
w^ill never consent to marry him. 

King Louis 

Methinks his mode of wooing will give her little 
choice in the matter. 

Olivier 

How does your Majesty intend to arrange their 
meeting? You know well, sire, that De la Marck 
dares not stir from his own domains. 

King Louis 

If the Ladies of Croye chance to pass through his 
domains on their way to seek sanctuary with the 
Bishop of Liege, mayhap they will never reach 
their destination. 

[35] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Olivier 
Ah! 

King Louis 
Who can say what will happen if news of their 
movements should chance to reach the ears of 
De la Marck? What think you of this scheme, 
Olivier ? 

Olivier 
It will serve, sire, if the ladies wish to seek sanctu- 
ary with the Bishop of Liege. 

King Louis 
It will be easy enough to persuade them. We have 
but to hint the alternative of surrendering them 
to Burgundy. They will need an escort on their 
way. I think I have the very man — the young 
Scot, Quentin Durward. 

Olivier 
Quentin Durward? The youth who cut down the 
gypsy? Dare you trust him? 

King Louis 
He will have neither reason nor opportunity to play 
us false. His instructions will be to escort the 
Ladies of Croye to the castle of the Bishop of 
Liege. Of the interference of William de la 
Marck he shall know as little as the ladies them- 
selves. None shall know that secret but the guide, 
and he, Olivier, will be our Fool. 
[36] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Olivier 
The Fool? 

King Louis 

Aye, our Fool shall lead them into the hands of 
De la Marck. 

Olivier 

But this rash youth may defend the ladies with his 
life. 

King Louis 

So much the better. 'Twill make the capture seem 
the more plausible. These adventurous young 
spirits welcome death in a noble cause. Enough! 
Olivier, make known our wishes to the Ladies 
Isabelle and Hameline, that they may prepare 
themselves for the journey. 

Olivier 
But what of Burgundy's envoy ? 

King Louis 

You must placate him as best you can, and who is 
better suited for the task ? We shall forestall the 
Count of Crevecoeur by going ourselves to Bur- 
gundy. 

Olivier 

What? Has your majesty decided to go to Duke 
Charles in person? 

[37] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



King Louis 
Aye, Olivier. Even the Lion cowers before the true 
Prince. Go, bid the Ladies of Croye prepare 
themselves for the journey and attend us here 
immediately, 

Olivier 
Sire. 

\_Bows and goes out.^ 

King Louis 
\^Calling.^ 
Lesly and Quentin Durward ! 
[Balafre and Quentin come in.] 

Balafre 
You called me, sire ? 

King Louis 
Aye, Balafre, go bid Dunois and my Lord Crawford 
choose an hundred knights and Scottish gentlemen. 
We shall journey forth within the hour. Bid 
them make ready in haste. 

Balafre 

Sire. 

[Balafre goes out.] 

King Louis 
Well, my young dare-all, does the routine of your 
guard duties seem irksome? Does the falcon still 
crave the blue sky ? 

[38] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Quentin 
You are jesting, sire. 

King Louis 

By no means, good lad. Your eager speech has 
warmed our heart. We have determined that it 
would be cruelty to confine so bold a spirit as 
yours. 

Quentin 
I fear, my liege, it has been too bold. 

King Louis 

Nay, lad, it pleases us. You shall have a chance to 
prove your mettle, a chance that will bring you 
no little risk, and mayhap a fight or two. 

Quentin 
I pray you, sire, name it. I will essay it gladly. 

King Louis 

Listen, then. The lady who plead in your behalf, 
and her aunt, the Lady Hameline, desire seclusion 
and rest. They would journey to the castle of 
the good Bishop of Liege. They have need of 
someone as a guard, for the way is beset with out- 
laws and pillagers. When I heard your bold 
speech, "Here," thought I, "is the very fellow to 
serve us." What say you? 
[39] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Quentin 
I say, sire, you are kind beyond measure. 

King Louis 
The commission pleases you, then? 

Quentin 
Aye, my lord, most heartily. 

King Louis 

Good. Your guide knows the way. He is our Fool. 
Follow his directions implicitly. For your own 
comfort and assistance you may select a man-at- 
arms. 
[Olivier enters with the Ladies of Croye.] 

Ah, here are the ladies now. 
[Turniriff to them.] 

Olivier has doubtless revealed our reasons for send- 
ing for you. The threatening attitude of Bur- 
gundy makes it unsafe for you to remain here 
longer. You will find peace and sanctuary with 
the Bishop of Liege. 

Isabelle 

I can assure you, sire, that we are no less eager to 
depart than you are to be rid of us. The castle 
of the Bishop of Liege, and even the journey 
thither, will be a welcome relief after the weary 
weeks we have spent in confinement here. 
[40] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Lady Hameline 

Peace, Isabelle. We should be grateful to the King 
for his protection. 

King Louis 

[To the Lady Hameline.] 
Chide her not! She is very young and has not 

learned the value of patience. 

[To Isabelle.] 
As proof of our high regard for you we will reward 

you for your intercession in behalf of this young 

Scot 

[Turning to Quentin.] 

by making him your escort. As for the guide 

[The Fool enters, limping.] 

we have picked a man who knows every foot of 

the way. 

Isabelle 

[With a shrug.] 
As your majesty wishes. We are so eager to start 
that the rank of our bodyguard concerns us but 
little. 

[The sound of soldiers approaching is heard, off 
stage.] 

King Louis 

Ha! Here come my knights! 

[The knights march in, headed by Dunois.] 
[41] 



QUEr^TIN DURWARD 



Dunois 
Hold ! 

{^Turning to the King.^ 
Sire, we are ready. 

King Louis 

One moment, Dunois. 
[To Quentin.] 

Quentin Durward, may good fortune attend your 
first commission. Pray Heaven, the outcome of 
your perils may be the success we most desire. 

Fool 

King Louis wishes us success, 
His meaning is for me to guess. 
Sometimes success for the goose isn't sauce for the 
gander. 

Quentin 

[Kneeling to King Louis and kissing his hand.] 
I pray I may prove worthy of the task with which 
you have entrusted me. 

King Louis 

I echo your prayer. 
[To the ladies.] 
Ladies, I bid you farewell. 

[Quentin, the Ladies of Croye, and the Fool 

depart.] 
[Olivier approaches the King.] 
[42] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Olivier. 

[In the King's ear.] 
Sire, I have sent the messenger to De la Marck! 

King Louis 
Good! 

[To Dunois and the Knights.] 
And now^ to Burgundy! 

(Curtain.) 

\_The curtain rises and the knights march off, 
singing. King Louis is at their head.] 

(Final Curtain.) 



[43] 



ACT TWO 

Scene. The road to Liege. At the right of 
the stage is an old inn, with a bench beneath the 
tree in front of it. 

At the rise of the curtain, the Innkeeper is found 
asleep on the bench, snoring loudly. He is stout 
and has a fat red face. He wears a huge white 
apron around his wide girth. In his right hand 
he has a huge platter, in his left a towel. On 
the bench beside him is a pile of dishes. At 
one side is a tub of water on a stool. From time 
to time he brushes away flies that disturb his 
slumber, first with the towel and then with the 
platter. Finally the situation becomes unbearable. 
He throws the platter down, smashing it into 
pieces, and slaps sharply at his face. The attempt 
is successful. Slowly withdrawing his hand from 
his face, he raises his slain tormentor aloft with a 
smile of satisfaction. Suddenly his eye falls upon 
the broken platter. He leaps to his feet with a 
cry of dismay. 

Innkeeper 

St. Francis protect me! What have I done? Oh, 
what will Gertrude say! What will wife Ger- 
trude say! I shall pay a sorry price for that 
broken dish. 

[45] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Wife 

[From within the house.] 
Peter ! 

Innkeeper 

[He gives a gasp of despair, and hastily gathers 
the pieces of broken plate and puts them in the 
pocket of his apron. He picks up his towel and 
commences to wash the dishes feverishly.] 
Coming, coming! 

Wife 
Peter ! 

[The Innkeeper continues wiping the dishes.] 
Peter ! You have been these two hours washing the 
dishes. Bring them to me. The noonday meal 
is ready for serving. Hurry, dotard ! 
[The Innkeeper gathers up the dishes, trips, but 
recovers himself, and then pauses and looks 
down the road.] 

Innkeeper 

By the strings of my apron ! There is someone upon 
the road. 'Tis the first for many a day. 
[He goes and looks down the road.] 

Wife 
Peter! 

Innkeeper 
But there is someone on the road ! 
[46] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Wife 

Come hither, you lazy idler ! Bring me those dishes, 
I say! 

Innkeeper 
Anon. I tell you there is someone on the road ! 

Wife 

And I tell you bring me those dishes! 

\^He shruffs his shoulders and starts towards the 
door. Then he turns around and goes back to 
the road and looks doivn. The Wife comes to 
the door and surveys him in disgust. She 
tiptoes quietly up behind him.] 

[Crushinffly.] 
Peter ! ! ! 

[He jumps and drops the dishes with a crash.] 
You clown ! You fool ! More than clumsy ape ! A 

pox upon you and your road ! First De la 

Marck's soldiers drink our wine, and laugh when 

I ask them to pay for it, and then you break our 

dishes, our very means of life ! 

[She breaks out crying.] 

[The Innkeeper begins to sniffle and reaches in 
the pocket of his apron for his kerchief, but 
brings out the broken pieces of platter. He 
surreptitiously drops them behind him.] 

[At this moment, a Monk in a muddy cassock 
enters. He is breathless from much running, 
and gasps out his words. He rushes up to the 
[47] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Innkeeper and his Wife, who promptly forget 
their own sorrows in their interest in his story.'\ 

Monk 

In God's name, good Innkeeper, grant me refuge. 
Hide me! Hide me! 

Wife 
What's amiss, good Father? 

Monk 

Save me! Save me from the wrath of the "Wild 
Boar of Ardennes." 

Innkeeper 

The Wild Boar of Ardennes ! May the three saints 
of Cologne preserve us ! 

Wife 

Cease your whimpering! Tell us, good Monk, has 
this wild nobleman dared to attack your holy 
monastery ? 

Monk 

Aye, he fears neither man nor God. This ruffian 
has plundered our monastery, beaten our monks, 
and — 

\^Crossing himself J] 

Mother of God defend us — murdered the Abbot 
in cold blood ! 

[48] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



[^The Innkeeper and his Wife cry out in horror. 
The Monk covers his face with his hands, as if 
to blot out the remembrance of the murder. 
The Innkeeper and his Wife assist him to the 
bench, where he sits, half fainting.^ 
Oh, I can see them still: 

[Pointing.^ 
There stood the good Abbot, calm and undismayed. 

[Pointinff.] 
And here sat De la Marck, in the Abbot's chair, 
grinding his teeth till the foam flew from his lips. 
His butcher stepped forward and lifted high his 
bloody cleaver. At a signal from De la Marck 
he struck, and the murdered Abbot sank without 
a groan at the foot of his own chair. 

Innkeeper 
God 'a' mercy ! Where went the villain then ? 

Monk 

He drove the monks into the woods. He is near at 
hand and may fall upon us at any moment. 
[The Innkeeper gets behind his Wife.] 

Innkeeper 

What ! In God's name, then, let us into the house 
and hide! 

[He takes hold of his Wife and pulls her towards 
the inn.] 
Come, Gertrude ! 

[49] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



[Cries and shouting off stage.] 
Quick, here comes De la Marck now! Into the 
house, good Monk! 

Monk 

Hide if you will ; as for me, it better becomes my 
office to remain here and, if need be, meet the 
same fate as my master. 

[The Innkeeper and his Wife run up on the steps 
of the inn. The Monk folds his arms. Ouentin, 
Isabelle, Lady Hameline and the Man-at-arms 
hurry in, exhausted. Quentin has a bandage 
around his head. The Innkeeper and his Wife 
come down, when they discover it is not De la 
Marck.] 

Quentin 

Our horses are spent! We can go no further. We 
must trust to our swords to save us from the Wild 
Boar now. 

Isabelle 
May heaven grant us an escape from this danger ! 

Quentin 

[Going up to the Innkeeper.] 
Good sir Innkeeper, we are hard beset by De la 
Marck and his men. Give us shelter here of your 
own good will — or we must take it by force. 
[50] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Innkeeper 
Aye, but, sir Knight, would you have the Wild Boar 
of Ardennes burn my house over our heads? No 
one can resist his onslaught. 

Quentin 
There's little time to argue the matter — we must 
do what we can. Quick! A hiding place for 
these ladies — I will guard your door. 

Innkeeper 
But, sir Knight, are there only two fighting men 
among you? Are there no more? 

Quentin 
Only a crippled Fool, whose twisted legs were 
unable to keep up with us. 

Isabella 
What can two of you do against so many? Let us 
conceal ourselves here and trust that help will 
come. If you fight — death may be your reward. 

Quentin 
A soldier can find no death more welcome than the 
death his duty ofFers him. 

Lady Hameline 
Mayhap these good people can furnish us with the 
dress of country folk until De la Marck and his 
men have passed by. 

[51] 



s 

QUENTIN DURWARD 



Quentin 

What! A Scotsman masquerade as a rustic? Nay, 
by our Lady, I will fight ! — and as I am. 
[Shouts off stage.] 
Quick! Into the house with you! De la Marck 
and his men are upon us. 

[The whole party hastily enters the house. Quen- 
tin goes in last, after looking up the road, and 
bars the door behind him. The Fool enters.] 

Fool 

[In fiendish glee.] 
The game is caught in the trap I set for it ! Come, 

my merry cutthroats ! There is the quarry. The 

game has gone to earth; if you would serve King 

Louis, dig it out! 

[With shouts of "Sanglier," De la Marck's men 
rush in. They take up a heavy log and batter 
down the door of the Inn. Quentin stands at 
the threshold and is beaten back by the first 
rush. The Fool remains outside the inn, and 
jumps up and down, laughing horribly. Sud- 
denly two of De la Marck's men come out, 
dragging the ladies. Quentin and the Man-at- 
arms fight three others down the steps. The 
Man-at-arms and one of De la Marck's men 
fall. Quentin engages the other two outside 
and has the advantage, when, with a horrible 
roar, De la Marck enters. Over his shoulder 
[52] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



hangs a wild boar skin, with its head drawn up 
over the crest of his helmet.^ 

De la Marck 

[/« blood-curdling tones.'l 
How now, you porkers of Liege, you wallowers in 
the mud of the Seine! Do you dare match your- 
selves with the Wild Boar of Ardennes! Up, 
you boar's brood ! Let these Flemish hogs see 
your tusks! 

\^By this time one of De la March's men has 
carried off Lady Hameline into the woods. 
Isabelle is still resisting spiritedly. The Wild 
Boar and his two henchmen soon overpower 
Quentin and disarm him. They bind and gag 
him. De la Marck brutally knocks Quentin to 
the ground.^ 

De la Marck 

Lie there, you swine ! 

\^He strides over to Isabelle, who has been sub- 
dued at last. During the scene that follows, 
Quentin is powerless to avenge the insults 
which De la Marck heaps upon Isabelle.^ 
Aha! Here's a fine prize for our efforts! 
[He leers insolently into Isabelle' s face.] 
So this is the fair one ! 

[Isabelle receives his insults with tightly com- 
pressed lips and haughty demeanor.] 
[53] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



The wench is pretty enough, with her black locks. 
That wizened jackdaw, Louis, has fulfilled his 
promise for once. The Fool spoke truly of your 
beauty, my bride. King Louis is a better judge of 
wenches than I gave him credit for. 

Fool 

[Pointing first to Quentin and then to De la 
Marck.] 
When the archer's a-weary, the noble must woo — 
So, off with the old love, and on with the new ! 

[To Isabelle.] 
Come, be not so distant. This is your chosen 

husband. 

De la Marck 

[Putting out his hand.] 
Aye, give me your hand ! 

[She puts her hands behind her back in disgust.] 
What ! Is mine too bloody, then ? By St. John of 

Liege, 'tis so in a good cause. Come, I say, your 

hand. 

Isabelle 
[Striking him.] 
If you dare so much as touch me, King Louis of 
France will avenge the insult ! 

De la Marck 

King Louis of France! — Ha, ha! — That's a fine jest. 
What say you, Fool? 

[54] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Fool 

'Tis very like the King will avenge this insult by 
dancing at your wedding. 

De la Marck 

Aye, 't is very like, Fool. But come, let us have 

done with jesting — our time is short, 

[Sarcastically.] 
Have the goodness to ride with me, my gentle 

countess. 

[He seizes her. She struggles, to the delight of 
the Fool. Suddenly a trumpet sounds. De la 
Marck springs back with a smothered oath.] 
Sacre nom de dieu! 

[Crevecoeur and his Burgundian knights rush 
upon the scene. With cries of "St. George of 
Burgundy'^ and "Crevecceur to the rescue" 
they drive De la Marck and his men into the 
woods and pursue them. At the first cry, the 
Fool screams and falls flat on his face. Two 
Burgundians re?nain behind to release Quentin 
and Isabelle.] 

Quentin 

A sword, sir Knight! Give me a sword! The 

villains have taken mine. 

[One of the knights gives him a sword.] 
Ah ! Now, insolent, false-hearted traitor ! 

[He starts in pursuit of De la Marck.] 
[55] 



QUENfiN DURWARD 



Isabelle 

You forget your commission. 

VShyly.-] ' 
King Louis charged you to remain at my side. 

[Quentin pauses and turns.] 
My aunt is already a prisoner. Do not risk your 

life to no avail, and leave me friendless. I pray 

you, stay. 

l^The two Burgundians are upstage, carrying the 
two wounded men into the Inn.] 

Quentin 

Nothing could be more to my liking, and yet, — w^hat 
would I not give to meet William de la Marck 
again — and this time in single combat! 



Isabelle 

I understand that vrish — but you cannot fulfill it 
and serve King Louis. He bade you guard my 



Quentin 

You are right. I w^ill stay. In sooth, nothing but 
the desire to avenge that ruffian's insults could 
tempt me from your side. 

Isabelle 
Say no more, I pray you. I am very grateful. 
[56] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Quentin 
It is enough that you understand. 

[He suddenly realizes that she must be ex- 
hausted.] 
You are tired. Rest a moment, here. 

[He leads her to the bench, where she sits down. 
He stands beside her. The Innkeeper looks 
out of the window. When he sees the coast is 
clear, he comes out with a huge carving knife.] 

Innkeeper 
Have they gone? Are none of the false cowards 
left? I always held the courage of the Boar's 
brood to be of small account, save when they come 
in large numbers. For mj^self, I still retain my 
undaunted courage, regardless of the odds against 
me. 

[One of the Burgundians drops his sword with 
a clang. The Innkeeper falls down the steps 
and then runs hastily up again, just in time to 
bump into his Wife, who is coming down.] 

Wife 
[Sharply.] 
Peter! 

[He dodges past her and runs into the house.] 

First Burgundian 
How now, madam innkeeper's wife, can you not 
reward our services with food and drink? 
[57] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Wife 
Ah, 'tis a bad year, but mayhap the larder is not 
entirely empty. 

[She goes into the inn, accompanied by the first 
Burgundian. The second Burgundian notices 
the Fool on the ground and rouses him with a 
kick.'] 

Second Burgundian 
Come, Fool, and make merry for us at our feast. 
[The second Burgundian and the Fool go into 
the house. Quentin and Isabelle have watched 
this scene with amusement.] 

Quentin 
[After a moment's pause.] 
You are silent. 

Isabelle 
I have not forgotten with what little grace I once 
received the thanks you proferred me. Your 
deeds to-day have shamed my silly pride. 

Quentin 
Your pride? Say rather your just reproval of my 
presumption, — a reproof which I have not heeded. 
For I have dared that for which kings would 
barter their very thrones! I have ridden beside 
you, watched you smile and listened to your 
laughter. Nay, I have even dared to talk with 
you of life and happiness. 
[58] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Isabelle 

Do not humble yourself, good sir. You were not 
over-bold. You have been a pleasant companion 
and a valiant protector. No knight ever served 
lady better. 

Quentin 

Would to Heaven I were a knight — then might I 
tell you all that fills my heart and cries for 
utterance. 

Isabelle 
[Demurely.] 
Perchance King Louis will reward your zeal in this 
commission by conferring knighthood upon you. 

Quentin 

There is but little chance of that, I fear, since your 
safety is due to the Burgundian knights rather 
than to me. 

Isabelle 

What could one man do against four ? 

[A happy thought strikes her.] 
Give me your sword. 

[He draws his weapon and hands it to her in 
wonder. She taps him upon the shoulder.] 
Rise, sir Quentin Durward. I dub you my Knight. 

[He obeys her, only half comprehending.] 
You have your wish — what is it you would say ? 
[59] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Quentin 

\^S lowly realizing that he is free to speak. ^ 
What is it I would say? I would tell you — Oh, 
the words won't come! 

Isabella 
You may say what you please, without fear. 

Quentin 

Then listen. I have told you of my boldness — and 
how I dared rejoice in your very nearness. You 
have forgiven me — but that was not all. As I 
have ridden beside you, my heart has whispered 
but one desire. That wish has sprung to my lips a 
thousand times, and each time I have choked it 
back — for I knew I had no right to utter it. 
Now you have given me that right, but still I 
cannot speak, for there is nothing — nothing — 
nothing — 
[He faints.^ 

Isabella 

Holy Virgin ! He is wounded ! 

\^She binds his wound with her kerchief.] 
There, there, that should be better. Is it not ? 

[He is silent.] 
Speak, good knight ! 

[Softly.] 
Speak, dear Quentin. 

[60] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



[Chafes his temples.] 
He is good to look upon. 

[She readjusts the bandage.] 
So. 

Quentin 

[Dreamily.] 
Are you a spirit? 

[He takes her hand in his.] 
If I be asleep and this a dream, may I never awake. 

Isabelle 

[With the naive wonder of a child.] 
Am I so lovely then ? 

Quentin 

I have ever sought for perfect loveliness — sought 
and found it not. You are the perfection of all 
the love and beauty in this world, and in the 
world to be. 
[She rises and helps Quentin to his feet. He 

stands abashed before her, afraid of his own 

boldness.] 

Isabelle 
I am quite happy. 

Quentin 

And I — I have learned what men and gods have 
meant by love. 

[61] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



[He takes her in his arms. Suddenly, there is a 
sound of clanking armor off stage. Crevecoeur 
and his ?nen come in, — Crevecoeur wiping his 
bloody sword. The two Burgundians come out 
of the inn, leading the Fool between them, and 
join their comrades.^ 

Crevecoeur 

By our lady of Peronne, that arch-fiend, De la 
Marck, has escaped us and is safe in his castle, 
with the Lady Hameline his prisoner. 

Isabelle 
[Crying out.] 
Oh! Can nothing be done to save her? 

Crevecoeur 
Nothing at present, I fear. He is beyond our reach. 

Isabelle 
Alas, my unhappy aunt ! What w^ill be her fate ? 

Crevecoeur 

Heaven alone can predict w^hat treatment she vv^ill 
receive at the hands of that villain. As for you, 
my pretty cousin, you have found a rough welcome 
to our woods. I have well served Charles of 
Burgundy to-day, in rescuing you from De la 
Marck. 

[62] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Isabelle 
Charles of Burgundy? 

Crevecoeur 

Aye. My lord of Burgundy likes to keep such pretty 
vassals near him. We must make haste toward his 
court, ere De la Marck return with the rest of 
his brutal soldiers. 

Isabelle 

But I am on my way to the Bishop of Liege, under 
the protection of this young archer. 

Crevecoeur 

Methinks he is too young to be trusted with such a 
charge. 

Isabelle 
He has saved my life and honor. 

Crevecoeur 
Doubtless to make you his own captive. 

Quentin 

I command you to let this lady depart in peace for 
Liege. I bear the King's commission to deliver 
her safely into the hands of the Bishop. 
[63] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Crevecoeur 

And / bear the commission of the Duke of Bur- 
gundy to return his vassal to his dominions. 
[To his soldiers.] 

Seize this presumptuous youth ! 

[They seize him before he has time to draw his 
sword.] 

Quentin 
You shall answer for this to the King of France ! 

Crevecoeur 

I will first answer to the Duke of Burgundy. Come, 
Isabelle, we go to Burgundy. 

CURTAIN. 



[64] 



ACT THREE 

Scene. The courtyard of the castle of Charles of 
Burgundy at Peronne. King Louis XI sits in an 
elevated chair at one side, and Charles of Bur- 
gundy is seated in the same fashion on the other 
side. Louis' knights are on his side of the court- 
yard, and the Burgundian nobles on the other 
side. Crawford, Balafre, Olivier and Dunois are 
near the King. 

King Louis 

Ah, cousin, if the ties of relationship and gratitude 
are not sufficient to bind us together, we have 
those of spiritual relationship. 

Burgundy 

Ah, Louis, Louis, would to God you were as faith- 
ful a monarch as you are a pleasing companion! 
I often think on the jovial times we used to spend 
together. 

King Louis 

You may bring them back when you will. I shall 
grant as fair terms as you ought to ask, and I 
shall swear to keep them upon the holy relic which 
I bear about my person — a fragment of the true 
cross. 

\^He takes a small gold reliquary from a chain 
around his neck and kisses it devoutly.^ 
[65] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Never was false oath sworn on this sacred relic but 
it was avenged within the year. 

Burgundy 

Yet it is the same on which you swore friendship to 
me when you last left Burgundy, and shortly after 
sent your vassal to murder me. 

King Louis 

My gracious cousin, now you are unearthing ancient 
grievances. I promise you that you were deceived 
in that matter. Moreover, it was not upon this 
relic which I then swore, but upon another frag- 
ment of the true cross, weakened in virtue, doubt- 
less, by sojourning with the Infidels. Ah, God 
shield us from perjury on such a warrant as this! 

Burgundy 

Well, cousin, I do believe you had a lesson to keep 
faith another time. And now for once, without 
finesse or doubling, will you promise to return 
to Burgundy the Ladies of Croye ? 

King Louis 

Fair cousin Charles, you drive my courtesy to 

extremity. The Countess Isabelle and her aunt 

are not within my kingdom. Yield up this matter 

and let us rather speak of the towns on the Sonne. 

[66] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Burgundy 

My council will talk to your majesty of these. You 
have tampered with my vassals and have thought 
to bestow the hand of my ward upon William 
de la Marck ! 

King Louis 

My dear cousin, must I again deny these foolish 
charges? I tell you I know naught of these 
errant ladies, nor of their actions. May God 
bear witness of the truth I speak ! 
[He crosses himself, and kisses the reliquary.] 

Burgundy 

[Rising and pointing an accusing finger at the 
King.] 
Perjure not your soul again, Louis of Valois! Here 
are two witnesses who have seen my ward 
[He points to two villagers, who step forward.] 
in company with a young archer of your Scottish 
guard. 

King Louis 

[After a moment's pause.] 

Ha! This is a merry conceit! 
[Sarcastically.] 

A Scottish guardsman, forsooth. 'Tis very like! 

But hold ! You may be right. Perchance it was 

that young Scot who bears our death mark as a 

traitor. Discharged from his company, he has 

[67] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



doubtless sought revenge and made off with these 
ladies on his own account. Should we apprehend 
him now, he will not so easily escape our justice. 
But 'tis very like we shall never set eyes upon him 
again, eh, Olivier? 

Olivier 

[Bowinffj with a malicious smile.] 
Aye, sire, 'tis very like. 

Balafre 
But, sire — 

Lord Crawford 

[Seizing Balafre by the arm, and putting his hand 
over his mouth.] 
Silence, Balafre! You forget your office. 
[Balafre steps back reluctantly.] 

Burgundy 

By all the Saints! You are as hard to trap as one 
of our Burgundian foxes. 

[Enter two Burgundian nobles, who bow low to 
Burgundy, and curtly to the King.] 
How now, sir Knights, what means this interrup- 
tion? 

First Knight 

By your leave, my gracious lord, the Count of Creve- 
coeur has returned. 

[Louis stirs uneasily and whispers to Olivier.] 
[68] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Burgundy 

Hah! At last returned from Tours! It is high 
time, indeed, when the object of his visit has pre- 
ceded him. I trust he brings us news that bears 
upon this point. 

Second Knight 

The Count of Crevecoeur will presently bring your 
grace a report of his actions, which we have heard 
but imperfectly. 

Burgundy 
Body o'me! Where is the Count? 

Second Knight 

He but pauses to remove his armor, before waiting 
upon your highness. 

Burgundy 

His armor ! Saint Bleu ! What care I for his dress! 

I think you have conspired with him to drive me 

mad. Bid him come to us directly ! 

[The two knights bow, and exeunt.^ 

[To the King.] 
He comes by way of Liege and we at least have no 

secrets in that quarter which we would fear to 

have proclaimed before the assembled world. 

[Enter Crevecoeur.] 
What news from Tours and Liege, Crevecoeur? 
[69] 



QUE^JTIN DURWARD 



Crevecoeur 

My liege, as for Tours, I see the King of France 
is here before me, and he has doubtless told you 
more than I can tell. I would have been here 
sooner had I not encountered, on the way, your 
ward, the Lady Isabelle of Croye. 

Burgundy 

Hah! You hear that, cousin Louis? At last we 
shall get to the bottom of this business. Proceed, 
sir Count. 

CreveccEur 

The Lady Hameline has been captured by De la 
Marck's men. I rescued Lady Isabelle from the 
Wild Boar, himself, into whose presence she had 
been led by a young Scot, who informed me that 
he was acting under King Louis' orders. 

Burgundy 

At last, sir King ! At last ! 

[He stamps his foot in fury.] 
Bar the castle gate! Let no man stir from his place 
upon pain of instant death ! Knights of Bur- 
gundy, draw your swords ! 

[The Burgundians draw their swords. Louis' 

men start to follow suit, but Louis motions 

them back. Burgundy advances upon Louis, 

his hand on the hilt of his sword. Louis 

[70] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



remains seated, without showing any fear, or 
assuming a defensive posture.] 

King Louis 
This news, dear cousin, has staggered your reason. 

Burgundy 

No, but it has awakened a just resentment which has 
too long been stifled! Tyrant over your subjects! 
Treacherous ally! Perjured king! You are in 
my power and I thank God for it ! 

King Louis 

Sir Duke, you have forgotten that you are a vassal 
of France. 

Dunois 

[Stepping between the tzvo ?nonarchs.] 
My lord of Burgundy, this is your Hall. You are 
the King's vassal. Do not spill the blood of your 
sovereign on the throne you have erected for him. 

Burgundy 

Out of my path, Dunois, and let my vengeance pass ! 
The wrath of kings is to be feared like that of 
Heaven ! 

Dunois 

Only when, like that of Heaven, it is just. I beg of 
you, my lord, restrain the violence of your temper. 
[71] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



King Louis 

He is right. Hear it, my last word; I speak as a 

king to his vassal, and expect obedience. Stand 

back! I command you! 

[Burgundy drops back reluctantly, with a sullen 
face.} 

[Confidently. } 
Why did not the noble Crevecoeur bring support 

for his accusations? Why did he not bring with 

him the Lady Isabelle and the young Scot of whom 

he speaks ? 

Crevecceur 
I did bring them with me. They are at hand. 

[Louis starts perceptibly.} 

Burgundy 
Have them brought here at once ! We will hear 
their story. We will hear what they have to say. 
[He mounts to his chair as two men-at-arms lead 
in Quentin, Isabelle, her ladies-in-waiting and 
the Fool. The Fool prostrates himself before 
King Louis, luho taps him on the shoulder and 
bids him rise. The Fool stands at King Louis' 
side.} 
[To Isabelle.} 
So, fair Countess, what think you of the strife jou 
have kindled between two great princes that 
were like to have come to war for your pretty 
face? 

[72] 



OUENTIN DURWARD 



Isabelle 

[Kneeling before Burgundy.] 
I crave your pardon, my noble guardian, for the 
trouble you have suffered on my account. The 
fault is indeed mine. 

Burgundy 

Arise, Countess Isabelle. We mean better for you 
than you deserve. We intend neither to deprive 
you of your estates nor to abase your honor. On 
the contrary, we will add largely to both. 
Though you fled our kingdom, the man we have 
chosen for you to marry is not displeased with you, 
even now. 

Isabelle 

[Still on her knees.] 
Alas, my lord, it is this well-meant kindness that I 
fear even more than your grace's displeasure, since 
it compels me — 

Burgundy 

St. George of Burgundy ! Is our will to be thwarted 
at every turn? Up, I say, minion, and stand aside. 
[Pointinff to Ouentin.] 

This young man claims our instant attention. Step 
forward, bold youth. Mark well the questions I 
have now to ask you. If you falter or double in 
your answers, I will have you hanged alive in an 
iron chain from the steeple of the market-house. 
[73] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



What made you bold enough to carry off this 
lady, my ward? 

Quentin 

Your grace, I did not carry her off. Whoever says 
this lies. 

[Burffundy looks triumphantly at Louis who does 
his best to maintain a bold frontJ\ 

Burgundy 

Now answer me this, and once more remember your 
life depends on your veracity. By what author- 
ity did you appoint yourself guard over this lady? 

Quentin 

By the authority of him I serve, King Louis of 
France. 

Burgundy 

Aha! You are a faithful messenger and I venture 
to say that in obeying the King's instructions you 
have disappointed his fondest expectations. 

Quentin 

I understand you not, my lord. I did but execute 
the instructions of my King. 

Burgundy 

But hark. Archer, what instructions did the King 
give you? 

[74] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Quentin 
All I know is that my master, King Louis, sent me 
to protect these ladies and to escort them to the 
castle of the good Bishop of Liege. 
[Lotiis regains his self-composure and smiles 
triumphantly.] 

Burgundy 
Ha! But was there not some secret understanding 
between you to betray your trust to William de 
la Marck? 

Quentin 
I repeat, I heard nothing of such a nature. I 
understood the instructions of the King to be 
honorable, and I executed them honorably. 

Isabelle 
His words are truth, Duke Charles, and though it 
is true enough that De la Marck and his friends 
did attack us, this young archer fought most 
valiantly in our behalf, at the risk of his own life. 
To keep him longer captive would be unjust. He 
is guiltless of all blame. 

Burgundy 
[After a momenfs hesitation.] 
Well — let him go free then. 

[Quentin bows slightly.] 
As for you, my lady, I fear we cannot waive our 
right to arrange your betrothal as we had planned. 
[75] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Isabelle 

So be it, my liege, I could not hope for a better fate. 
My only concern is the freedom of this brave 
knight. 

Quentin 

[Stepping forward.] 
My lord, I do not care for my freedom at such a 
price. Let her go free, and do with me as you 
will. 

Quentin! 



Isabelle 



King Louis 

Ha ! Another problem for our noble cousin to solve. 
I suppose, dear Charles, you will next accuse me 
of instigating this intrigue. 

Charles 

This is indeed a weighty question for kings to con- 
sider. What say you, Louis, were it not well 
before this vagrant Helen of Troy, or of Croye, 
made more kings dance — were it not well to carve 
out a fitting match for her, here? 

King Louis 

The lady is your ward. Do with her as you please. 
As for her suitor, he is mine, and I will tend to 
him. 

[76] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



[Turning to Olivier.] 
We shall take care of this young fellow, eh, Olivier ? 
\^A knight enters.] 

Knight 
My Lord, a herald from William de la Marck. 

Burgundy 
Admit him at once. 

{^The knight bows and goes out.] 
By our Lady, has the Wild Boar of Ardennes no 
shame, that he dares to come within our strong- 
hold ? 

[T/re Innkeeper enters as De la March's herald, 
dressed in gaudy splendor. A boar's head is 
emblazoned on his tabard. Fear and a gro- 
tesque awkwardness mark his movements.] 
Who are you, in the devil's name? 

Innkeeper 

I am Rouge Sanglier, the herald of William de la 

Marck, by the grace of God, Prince of Liege. 

Burgundy 
Ha! And what would William de la Marck of 
the Duke of Burgundy ? 

Innkeeper 
My master requests — that is — demands an audience 
with your Grace, that he may secure justice for 
certain injuries your knights have done him. 
[77] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Burgundy 

The insolence of this wild man is surprising. 

[After a moment's hesitation.] 
And yet — perhaps it were better to admit him. 

What say you, my royal cousin ? 

King Louis 

Do not yield to this wild reveler's demands. No 
Christian ruler will have aught to do with such 
a murderous ruffian. 

Burgundy 

Still, his anger is not to be trifled with. 
[He deliberates.] 

But mayhap you are right. 
[To the Innkeeper.] 

Go! Tell De la Marck that we are engaged in 
other matters that require our immediate atten- 
tion. 

Innkeeper 

Very well, good master, I shall fulfill your order. 
I trust you will find our meagre fare to your 
liking. 
[He realizes what he has said with horror, and 

starts to go. The crowd watches him in 

amusement.] 

[783 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Burgundy 

One moment, sir Herald. Methinks your wide girth 
is better suited to the apron than to the tabard! 
Let him be scourged till his bones are laid bare! 

Toison d'Or 

^Stepping forward.] 
Nay, but if it please your grace, he is a herald, and 
so, by the sacred rights of chivalry, his person is 
inviolate. 

Burgundy 

You are an owl to think that the tabard makes the 
herald. Step forward and question him. 

Toison d'Or 
[SoleT?inly.] 
Brother, in what college did you study our illus- 
trious science? 

Innkeeper 

My lord, I was bred at the Heraldic College of 
Ratisbon and received my diploma there. 

Toison d'Or 

[Bowing.] 
You could not have derived it from a source more 
worthy. And if I presume to confer with you on 
the mysteries of our sublime science, it is not in 
the hope of giving, but of receiving knowledge. 
[79] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Burgundy 
\^Impatiently.^ 
Go to! Leave off ceremony and ask him some 
questions that may try his skill. 

Toison d'Or 
It were an injustice to ask a disciple of the worthy 
College of Ratisbon questions on the common 
terms of blazonry. But I might ask Rouge Sang- 
lier to say if he is instructed emblematically, and, 
as it were, parabolically, in the secret terms of the 
science. 

Innkeeper 
I understand one sort of blazonry as well as another, 
but it may be that we have not the same terms in 
Germany that you have here in Flanders. 

Toison d'Or 
Alas, that you say so, for the terms of our noble 
craft are the same the world over. 

Burgundy 
Show him a coat and let him blazon it. If he fails, 
I promise him that his back will be sable and 
azure. 

Toison d'Or 
[Producing a parchment.^ 
Here is a scroll of mine own devising. I pray my 
brother to decipher it in telling language. 
[80] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Fool 

[Who has taken great pleasure in the discussion 
comes up and looks over the terrified Inn- 
keeper's shoulder at the scroll.] 
I will help you, my good fellow. 

[Turning to the croivd.] 
This, my lords and masters, represents the cat look- 
ing out at the dairy window, 

l^The crowd laughs. Toison d'Or indignantly 
seizes the scroll.] 

Toison d'Or 

Nay, it is "Sable, a musion passant, or, oppressed 
with a trellis gules, cloue of the second. 

Fool 

By my bauble, if the cat represents Burgundy, she 
is on the right side of the grating nowadays. 
'[The crowd laughs again.] 

King Louis 

[Laughing with the rest.] 
Well said, Fool. I owe you a piece of gold for 
turning what looked like sad earnest into a merry 
game. 

Burgundy 

Silence, Fool! And you, Toison d'Or, who are too 
learned to be intelligent, stand back. 
[81] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



[To Innkeeper.^ 
Hark you, villain ! Speak for j^ourself — in a word, 
are you herald or not ? 

Innkeeper 
[Bursting into tears.^ 
Only for this occasion. 

Burgundy 
How like the manners of the master are those of the 
servant! Yet by our faith, so pleasing has been 
this diversion, that surely your request should be 
granted. Go ! Tell your master that we will see 
him at once. 
[The Innkeeper goes out in great confusion.^ 

King Louis 
Methinks your action has been rash, fair cousin. 

[To Olivier.] 
Olivier, do you think this interview will prove 

dangerous for us? 

Olivier 

[In the King's ear.] 
We can only trust that this blundering madman will 
offset his words by his slow wit. Our cause hangs 
on this chance. 

[De la Marck strides into the courtyard, clad in 
red armor, a huge sword strapped across his 
back. He bows neither to Burgundy nor to 
Louis, but strides up to the latter.] 
[82] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



De la Marck 

So, you are here, Louis the Little ! Well met, star- 
gazer! A fine scheme was your accursed plot! 

King Louis 

Have you done? You forget that you address your 
King. What means this speech? 

De la Marck 

You may well ask, King of Foxes. Never again 
shall Louis trick the Wild Boar of Ardennes! 

King Louis 

Your words are as insolent as they are unjust! 
William de la Marck, your temper is too short. 
At another time we would reprove you, but here 
ours is not the commanding voice. 

Burgundy 

[Who has been astounded by De la March's 
audacity, and is recalled to himself by this 
speech.^ 
True ! It is my right to reply to this insolent fellow, 
and I accept it gladly. 
[To De la Marck.] 
Address yourself to me, rash fool, but — by the cross 
of St. George — control your brawling tongue or 
it will fare ill with you ! 
[83] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



De la Marck 

Who are you, in the fiend's name, that dares bid me 
stay my speech? By God and St. John, what 
right have you to command me — me, William of 
Ardennes ? 

Burgundy 

What right J you hound of Hell ? This is my castle ! 
These are my knights! Would you cast your 
insults in the very teeth of Charles the Bold ? If 
you have aught to say, speak as becomes your 
position, and get you gone ! 

De la Marck 

I have but little to say, but mark that little w^ell. 
I demand that lady 
[Pointinff to Isabelle.^ 
as my lawful property! 
[Quentin springs in front of Isabelle, with his 

hand on his sivord.] 
But for this meddling fool — 

[He steps toward Quentin and draws his own 

huge sword half from the scabbard. Quentin 

imitates his action J] 
she would have been mine long since. Give her 
to me, now, or, by the three dead kings of 
Cologne, you will rue the day you first set eyes 
upon her. I demand her in the name of Ardennes, 
and William de la Marck. 
[84] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Burgundy 

As well demand her in the name of Hell and the 
Devil. She is my ward, and I will direct her 
destiny. 

De la Marck 
What ! You refuse me ? 

Burgundy 
Mort Dieu! I do! 

De la Marck 

So ! Is that your game ? Then here I play my part. 

I hold your kinswoman, the Lady Hameline. 

Persist in your refusal, and my sword shall end 

her life to-day! 

[He folds his arms and looks trimnphantly at 
Burgundy. Burgundy is stunned for the 
moment. King Louisj who has ivatched this 
scene with bated breath, chuckles.^ 

Burgundy 
Even you would not dare such an outrage 1 

De la Marck 

I would not dare? 

[He throivs back his head and laughs brutally.^ 

[85] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



King Louis 

My dear Charles, there seem to be two rivals for the 
hand of the Countess Isabelle, this young gallant, 
and William de la Marck. Why not let them 
settle their claims by combat? 

Burgundy 

Such odds would not be fair. What chance has this 
lad against the Wild Boar of Ardennes, whose 
mighty frame has seen a thousand fights? 

Quentin 

^Falling to his knees.] 
On my knees I beg you give me but a chance to 
avenge the insults heaped upon the Lady Isabelle 
by this arrant boaster. 

King Louis 

What says the other rival ? Is William de la Marck 
willing to stake his fortune in such a conflict ? 

De la Marck 

Now by all the demons in Hell, I will teach this 
rash stripling a second lesson. He will not need 
a third. 

Burgundy 
I still protest. The combat is not a fair one. 
[86] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



De la Marck 

Fair or not, this is your only chance to save the Lady 
Hameline. You must choose at once. What say 
you? 

Burgundy 
I like not this bargain, but since it must be — I do 



agree. 



De la Marck 



Good ! The Lady Hameline will be returned. And 
do you on your part solemnly swear to award the 
hand of the Lady Isabelle to the victor in this 
combat ? 

Burgundy 

By the tears of our Virgin Mother, I do solemnly 
swear. 

De la Marck 

Enough ! My weapon is ready. 
[He starts to draw his sword.^ 

King Louis 

The weapons must be evenly matched. Let me 
supply them. I have an excellent pair of swords. 
[87] 



QUENfiN DURWARD 



De la Marck 
What matters the weapon in such a fight ? 

Quentin 
[Boiving to Louis.] 
I am grateful, sire. 

\_As they clear the courtyard for the combat, De 
la Marck closes his visor. Balafre and Lord 
Crawford helmet Quentin. King Louis and 
Olivier come to the front of the stage. Under 
cover of the confusion, they speak in asides.] 

King Louis 

Bring us two swords, Olivier, and so arrange it that 
one of them will break at the first good blow. 
Give this one to Quentin Durward. Thus our 
long-desired plan for marrying De la Marck to 
the Countess Isabelle is certain to be realized. 
Go, and be quick ! 

Olivier 
[Bowing.] 
Sire! 

[He goes out. King Louis turns to the contest- 
ants, chuckling to himself.] 

Isabelle 

[Coming to Quentin s side.] 
Quentin, you will not thus run into the face of 
certain death ? 

[88] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Quentin 

Certain death? Nay, it is my chance to win Heaven 
itself! Indeed, to die were far easier than to see 
you wedded to this monster. 
[Isabelle leaves him and kneels to Burffundy.] 

Isabelle 

And you, my kind guardian, will you permit this 
combat to proceed — why, 'tis little short of 
murder ! Sooner will I marry this — 
[She shudders.] 
this other. 

Burgundy 

[Shaking his head sadly.] 
It is impossible. Our pledge has been given. 

[Isabelle, half fainting, is supported by her ladies- 
in-waiting. Olivier returns with the two 
swords. As he passes King Louis, the King 
raises his eyebrows questioningly. Olivier nods 
and presents the swords, first to De la Marck, 
with the good sword nearest him and the other 
held back. De la Marck takes the good 
sword.] 

King Louis and Olivier 

[ With satisfaction.] 
Ah ! 

[Olivier gives the broken sword to Quentin.] 
[89] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Burgundy 

Back and give them room ! 
[To the combatants.] 

En garde! 

[They fight. After a few blows are exchanged, 
Quentin's sword snaps off near the hilt. The 
crowd draws its breath as one man. Quentin 
defends himself against De la March's furious 
onslaught as best he can. Suddenly De la 
Marck strikes what remains of Quentin's 
weapon to the ground. The crowd shouts. 
With a wild roar of triumph, the Boar lifts high 
his weapon with both hands and aims a terrific 
blow at Quentin. Quentin leaps aside and 
De la Marck falls to one knee from the impetus 
of his stroke. Quentin seizes the szvord on 
De la Marck's back and whips it from its scab- 
bard. The Boar rises and confronts his adver- 
sary in amazement. A great shout goes up. 
They resume the combat. Quentin gradually 
beats down De la Marck's defence, and ends 
the fight with a thrust. De la Marck falls to 
one knee and rolls over on his back, belloiving 
with his last breath. Throughout the fight 
King Louis has watched the failure of his 
scheme with amazement. As Quentin stands 
breathless over his defeated foe, Isabelle rushes 
up to him.] 

[90] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Isabelle 

Quentin, are you hurt? 

[He shakes his head.] 
You have fought this day as man never fought 

before. 

Quentin 
Ah, dear lady, now could I gladly die. 

Burgundy 

You have w^on her in as fair a fight as I have ever 
witnessed. What say you, cousin? 

King Louis 

Aye, the j^outh has proved his mettle. He has justi- 
fied the trust we placed in him. He has won a 
just reward. 
[He beams upon the lovers.] 

Burgundy 

At last the Lady Isabelle is well bestowed and the 
Wild Boar of Ardennes will roar no longer. 
With him dies the cause of our petty quarrel. 

King Louis 

Aye, peace reigns again in France and Burgundy. 

[With a meaning glance toward the lovers.] 
In sooth, peace is ever3nvhere about us. 
[91] 



QUENTIN DURWARD 



Isabelle 
I have a thousand things to tell you. 

Quentin 
I have but one — I love you. 

Burgundy 

{^Snatching a cup from an attendant.^ 
A toast, sir King! A toast to the new^ Count of 
Croye and his bride ! 
{^The nobles raise their cups with a shout. Song.'l 

CURTAIN 



[92] 




















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